Animal print roars into the season

Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times

By Melissa Magsaysay This season's retail scene looks like something out of "Wild Kingdom" with animal prints ruling as a major trend for fall. Prints inspired by exotic pelts (real and faux) are everywhere in bags, shoes, hats and dresses and at varying price points, making the look accessible for most budgets. For the daring, the First Date dress from Simone by Katie Nehra says sophisticated sex kitten. The all-over print can be a lot for most bodies, so add a black belt to break it up and balance the overall look by throwing a crisp black blazer or cropped denim jacket on top. Simone by Katie Nehra's First Date dress, $576 at www.simonecollection.com, Current/Elliot shrunken shirt jacket in sun exposed, $330 at Jill Roberts, Beverly Hills; Brian Atwood quilted black patent leather Maniac shoes, $502 at www.brianatwood.com.

By Melissa Magsaysay This season's retail scene looks like something out of "Wild Kingdom" with animal prints ruling as a major trend for fall. Prints inspired by exotic pelts (real and faux) are everywhere in bags, shoes, hats and dresses and at varying price points, making the look accessible for most budgets. For the daring, the First Date dress from Simone by Katie Nehra says sophisticated sex kitten. The all-over print can be a lot for most bodies, so add a black belt to break it up and balance the overall look by throwing a crisp black blazer or cropped denim jacket on top. Simone by Katie Nehra's First Date dress, $576 at www.simonecollection.com, Current/Elliot shrunken shirt jacket in sun exposed, $330 at Jill Roberts, Beverly Hills; Brian Atwood quilted black patent leather Maniac shoes, $502 at www.brianatwood.com. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

But beware: As with any bold trend, wear it sparingly. To avoid looking as if an animal has crawled onto your back and slumped over, introduce these prints slowly and subtly into your wardrobe. Accessories are the easiest approach and there are plenty of brands making pieces that are more "cocktail chic" than "safari." Animal prints are a trend that should not be paired with other current trends -- meaning don't mix animal prints with shoulder pads or distressed denim. Current/Elliot crop skinny jeans in black overdye, $176 at Elyse Walker, Pacific Palisades; 291 T-shirt, $60 at www.bleuclothing.com; Alice + Olivia scarf, Joie's Garfunkel boots, $395 at www.joie.com.

But beware: As with any bold trend, wear it sparingly. To avoid looking as if an animal has crawled onto your back and slumped over, introduce these prints slowly and subtly into your wardrobe. Accessories are the easiest approach and there are plenty of brands making pieces that are more "cocktail chic" than "safari." Animal prints are a trend that should not be paired with other current trends -- meaning don't mix animal prints with shoulder pads or distressed denim. Current/Elliot crop skinny jeans in black overdye, $176 at Elyse Walker, Pacific Palisades; 291 T-shirt, $60 at www.bleuclothing.com; Alice + Olivia scarf, Joie's Garfunkel boots, $395 at www.joie.com. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)